Crafts Books

Matt and Shari from HGTV are back with some great project ideas for the whole family to do together.

Never disappointed with these two. Terrific detail to real decorating know-how.

This book is great for a quick weekend project and not so expensive that you have to sell the farm. Recommend this for all families with children to spend quality time as a family unit.

very easy to understand and loaded with great hints for decorating

Great Weekend Projects offers exactly that--great projects that can be completed in one weekend. The ideas are geared toward the average person living in the average home, which is refreshing.

First of all, I love jewelry beading and metal clay. This book is a must for people beggining in this art and others who would like to know about this form of Art. It is a step by step book that shows the process of metal art from the basic tools to the finished product incorporating elements of jewelry beading. How clever! It's full of photographs, detailed instructions and it has a wonderful big letter format.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The pictures and ideas for projects were new and very inspiring...not easy when there are so many books out on the subjects. A good review on the different types of metal clay and how each can be used. This book is a valuable addition a metal clay and beaders library and well worth the price.

Metal Clay for Beaders offers good examples/projects/inspiration for Beaders who are venturing into the wonderful world of Metal Clay. There is a nice range of styles and skill levels in the projects to appeal to all beaders, as well as to Metal Clay Artists wishing to add beading to their creations. Well written with good, clear pictures. Overall, a very good cross-over book for both Beaders and Metal Clayers.

This is an excellent cross over book and I find myself constantly picking it up and coming up with ideas.

I am new to using this media, so the Tools, Tips, and Techniques section I find quit useful. The Beginner Projects section is written clearly and concisely. I really appreciate the step by step instructions. And wow! the gallery of art projects by seasoned artists is inspirational.

This is a clear, easy-to-follow book of afghans that you will definitely treasure.

If you love to crochet, this book will provide you with many hours of entertainment planning and imagining every new project in this volume adapted to your own needs and creativity.

It's a personal favorite, and I recommend it to any crafter who loves to create -- and loves to see fast results as they work!

I received this book and I was more than pleased with the contents. The 54 pages of afghans and the super clear instructions were great. There was a very nice variety of the mile a minute patterns that were from an easy level to hard. This book also shows how to do each of the crochet stitches used in this book, in a clear and concise manner. I would definitly recommend this crochet book to all users new to expert.

This book contains 56 mile-a-minute designs in an easy to read book.
This book has beautiful colour photographs of each design and a clear basic stitch guide in the back of the book. There are some beautiful designs in this book including a couple for baby.

Lots of pretty afghans in this book with easy to follow instructions! Works up pretty fast too. If you have crocheted before, even as a beginner, this is a good book to try.

The content of this book is great for beginning and expert crocheters alike. It was received in great condition for a second-hand book. I would use the seller again.

This is a fantastic book. I have always felt a little inadequate as a writing teacher. I can write, but I don't know where to begin on the road to teaching children to write. This is a step-by-step plan and it is fantastic!

I have reviewed many books about how to teach children to write stories, and this one is by far the best! To begin with Mariconda is the only author I've read who distinguishes between character-problem-solution stories and what she calls "personal narratives." Personal narratives are more about an experience than a character, are usually heavily descriptive, and there is no "problem." The character-problem-solution mantra had always bothered me, because we all know that there are wonderful stories that are more "mood pieces" than solutions problems.
More importantly, the book consists of specific lessons on teaching the elements of story writing, in isolation. It can be done! Look at the Table of Contents to see exactly what is covered. These lessons are explained so well explained that you feel fully equipped to teach them, now!
Additionally, the author herself writes with "voice," unlike the usual dry, anonymous style of textbooks. When I leafed through the book and saw an entry that said something like, "getting students to elaborate with detail is the bane of most English teachers' existence," I bought it then and there. What we all need is to hear about teachers' experiences, not just "programs" that seem to spring from nowhere.
Lastly, her approach works! When this program was implemented at the school she taught at, the percentage of students passing the state writing assessment rose from 47% to 92% in four years. That is amazing! I am planning on using this book for my high school students as well as elementary and middle school!

I used this book to teach 3rd and 4th graders in Watts how to write. This book has lesson plans that teach step by step. All kids have wonderful ideas but sometimes do not know how to express these ideas on paper. This book shows you how to teach them. It was incredible to read the stories my students wrote after learning the techniques in this book! All my students became amazing authors! They were so proud of their stories and I was so proud of them! Thank you for writing this amazing book!

I have used this book with 3 schools in two states to help teachers teach writing and to help students prepare for state writing tests. This book shows you many simple ways to help kids understand narrative writing. The diamond graphic organizes the students's thinking and writing. The mini-lessons are great, and the test prep advice, the paced prompt, works. why should anyone take a test they aren't prepared for? the paced prompt shows the students how to organize their time and thougths, and the scores showed it. If you or your teachers are using Write Traits this will fit beautifully, but the book also stands alone. I've bought copies for all my teachers!

A book that, incredibly, lives up to its title! This is my 13th year of teaching elementary school and this book does what no other book has been able to do: it works! I found myself reading the entire thing in the teacher's store where I first found it. I suggested to my entire 3rd grade team that we implement it and they whole-heartedly agreed. If you want to teach kids to write narrative that A. makes sense, and B. is interesting, you cannot go wrong. Haven't you tried the formula of character, setting, problem, solution, one too many times and not been satisfied with the results? I know I have. This approach is much better, and shows you how to teach beginnings, elaboration, suspense (the best part), main event, resolution, and satisfying ending. The beauty is you teach it by parts using real literature examples, modeling, and then students practice. You will find yourself nodding your head as the author relates the same kinds of frustrations you have when reading elementary school writing and shows you how to change them. This book is the best I've ever seen to help you teach writing. There is no fluff and many great insights. Your students will write amazing stories and you'll never teach writing the same way again!

A great place for both new and old collectors a like to find information! The detailed photo's are as much of a pleasure to look at as the text is to read. I only wish the Young family would send their collection on tour!

AS A COLLECTOR AND SON OF A COLLECTOR I CAN SAY WITHOUT THIS BOOK YOU WILL BE LOST. THE SECTION ON THE MARKS COULD STAND ALONE. FOR US COLLECTORS THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN SEEING WHAT ITEM COME "OUT OF THE CLOSET" AND INTO THE MARKET!COMPLAINT, THE SECTION ON SILVER CUPS IS TO SMALL.

This is the most comprehensive book ever written about mustache cups, their history, age, and value. The photography is excellent. Not since 1972, when Dorothy Hammond published her book, has a book shown the pictures, dates, descriptions,condition, the backstamp and the value. Their book includes wonderful sets and groupings; silver cups/saucers and their marks; reproductions and fakes; and a wonderful chapter on available accessories.

Paula & Glenn should win an award for this one!

If you collect mustache cups--you need this valuable collector's guide. Written in an enjoyable format, the book gives hundreds of colorful pictures of mustache cups and saucers from around the world. There are pages of valuable potters marks to check your own with. There is even a section on quadruple plate mustache cups and marks. The history of the cups is great. And, best of all, there is a price/value guide for each cup. Now I know what my collection is worth! I'm so glad that this book has finally been written. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Not since Dorothy Hammond's 1972 book on Mustache Cups has anyone written on this subject. Pauline and Glenn are to be congratulated for producing this fine publication which, in my opinion, is long overdue.

The book is split into chapters dealing with the different types of cups and saucers and it is well illustrated with detailed photographs. No matter how many pictures the book has, though, there never seems to be enough of them and they leave you wanting more. One chapter that I particularly found useful deals with manufacturer's marks. This is an excellent reference section that should help date most marked pieces in any collection.

The authors have included valuations on most pieces which they explained should act as only a guide to real market prices. The problem with listing valuations, which Dorothy Hammond also acknowledged, is that prices may soon become out of date or not be truly reflective of the actual market prices when one considers the multitude of styles, types and condition of pieces that exist.

I know that the authors are considering a second edition: I hope they succeed.

There is an entire industry in publishing books about writing. Writers, especially aspiring writers, are very insecure about their work, and seek reassurance that they're on the right track from others. Most of the books produced to ameliorate writers' self-doubt are crap. But I can say with confidence that Downs and Russin's NAKED PLAYWRITING is not only the best playwriting book I have ever read, it is the best book I have ever read on any kind of writing, from the beginning of the process to the end.

It's easy to talk about how to tell a good story, but how many books actually break down ideas point by point to determine which ones actually have a future? This one. Many would-be writing mentors talk about sitting down and writing, but how many have actually given instructions on how to create a style sheet on Microsoft Word so that you can create a perfectly formatted manuscript on your first try? This one. Everybody knows that the creative process isn't complete until the work is seen by an audience, but how many books demonstrate how to comparison-shop theatre companies, give you balanced pointers on how and when to get an agent, and show how to evaluate a contract to tell if it serves your interests? This one.

The light conversational tone that obtains through most of this book makes the information contained between the covers very approachable. The authors are aware that many of their readers will be beginning writers, but they also incorporate more intermediate and advanced information, so young writers can follow through to the end on what they've already begun. This book is not some compendium of lukewarm exhortations to write now and write more; it's an actual plan to turn your writing into a vocation and a life.

Young writers buy a lot of books to get them started on the art and the craft. This is one of the few books those writers will actually keep on their desks through the years as they write.

A little context -- I studied playwriting in college several years ago and had productions of a couple scripts. Recently I've had a play germinating inside me, and I decided to give it a try. I discovered this book on a casual browse through a bookstore.
This book is not only the best imaginable resource, it also serves to inspire and give you a chance to believe in yourself. Yes -- I was rusty and this book reminded me of the styles of plays available to draw on (I'm a bit into alienation and absurdism.), and it demonstrates clearly the difference between vague and uninteresting dialogue with that which contains dramatic tension.
He is also the most practical of teachers. He makes regular suggestions for writing a play that has the best appeal for being produced. (Don't write a play with 50 characters and six scene changes, including a snowstorm in Siberia!)
I would think this book is most useful if you too have decided to embark on the challenge of writing a play; otherwise I'm not sure what the appeal would be. It is not a great tome on dramatic theory. At every step of the way it is practical -- right there ready to help you express yourself and, one hopes, to write a successful play.

The authors have a great sense of humor and tons of information. There are a lot of books out there on playwriting but this one really opened my eyes. Naked is a good way to write.

This is an excellent book to get you on your way towards fulfilling your dream of writing plays.

Okay, maybe its attractive title did draw this reader's attention to the book, but Naked Playwriting proves to be, as one other reviewer stated, not just a great one amidst so many How-To...books. Naked Playwriting is the best book I've read on writing, as well.

I finished this and thought (yes, exhilarated) that every writer could benefit from this one. No matter what genre. No matter what style. Naked Playwriting is, incredibly, written by two voices, Downs and Russin, and yet it speaks so fluently, so masterfully, and so concisely--with this humor throughout--that I just trusted these writers were actually writers from the first line.

That it speaks so smoothly to the reader, guides the reader, without pompous self-glorifying stories of their own past careers, speaks of the closeness these two writers stayed on course with the subject--and it speaks of the dedication to playwriting that Naked Playwriting follows.

A well-crafted ship is, as the authors describe, the beauty of a stage play, carefully crafted, going somewhere, with purpose, and capable of taking others along on a tremendous ride--that is what the great ones do--and that's what Downs and Russin have offered us.

Read this, then reread, and continue to reference it--Naked Playwriting will become a manual to hold onto.

This book has wonderful tips and how to's for the beginner as well as the experienced quilter. The illustrations are outstanding. There are excellent tips to improve your skills and a couple of interesting projects. As a hesitant appliquer but enthusiastic pieceworker I found this book gave me the confidence to attempt applique and be successful.

Contains great instructions and patterns for modern applique. I love the printed patterns in the back of the book which eliminates trying to enlarge them for use as in some publications. Good book all around and I highly recommend it.

I love, love, love this book! It has wonderful instructions and terrific pictures to help you all along the way. I'm excited that I'm scheduled to take a class from Linds Jenkins who will be visiting my Quilt Guild in a couple of weeks. Now I will be able to follow along with this wonderful book. I really enjoy doing applique and hope to really master it with the help of Linda and her book

I have been taking classes at my local quilt shop to learn hand applique and this is the one book that my teacher highly recommended to buy as a reference tool. It is absolutely wonderful and makes needle-turn applique a "Piece O Cake"

This is a great reference for beginning applique. It was recommended by a cousin of mine who owns a quilt shop. There are lots of details and pictures along with great tips that take the fear out of teaching yourself to applique. It's cheaper than a class, and a reference for life.

This product full of ideas on setting up and teaching Kindergarten. With the continious changes in education I was a little unsure about where to start. The author offers great ideas and input using the NCTM Standards. This is a great resource for new teachers, and teachers who are new to teaching Kindergarten.

I have had the honor of seeing Ms. Leuenberger adapt the very principals that she writes about in her book in her own classroom on "The Vineyard". Believe me, these strategies and lessons work. I suggest that each school have this book available for their Kindergarten teachers. The suggestions and ideas in this book make "Meeting the Standards" easy and fun.

I love how this teacher writes about how she sets up her classroom and keeps it organized. She also has some helpful strategies for setting up learning centers, journal writing and how to make your morning message fun, and much more!
I think the ideas in this book will be really helpful in the years to come.

This is a 'must have' book for any teacher at any number of years teaching experience. What I really like about this book is 'at a glance' one can pick up ideas/tips that are ready to try 'NOW'.

Constance Leuenberger's book is an excellent combination of educational philosophy coupled with ideas, ideas, and more ideas!
An easy read that would be a GREAT resource for ALL new Kindergarten teachers and a wonderful resource to help experienced teachers remember how important developementally appropriate strategies are.
This book is full of great ideas, strategies, and tips that are simple and ready to implement. Another strength is how the author shares thoughts for teachers of half day and/or full day programs.
Constance understands how young children learn. She knows that we must teach the "whole" child....from their academic to their social well being.
This book is an excellent addition to your professional library.

What a creative and practical book! I love origami and have incorporated it into my card making, gift wrapping, decorating, and table setting for years. However, I had never made jewelry with it. The techniques in the book have opened a whole new area of possiblilites for me.

I ordered this book without high hopes and was pleasantly surprised. Finally, an origami jewelry book that goes through the process step by step with clear photos as a guide. All the questions I had regarding origami jewelry making were answered. In the past, much of my paper jewelry making was based on guesswork.

As someone who is a novice I found this book relatively easy to follow. I have been doing origami for a long time, but I am not consistent with it. It is something I love and I know basics, but not something I am constantly working to excel at, even though I wish I had the time to. With a stressful job I needed an outlet and so have taken origami up again to relax and have a creative outlet. I saw this book and thought, wow how cool. I really want to try this. I am more than happy with my impulse purchase. The pictures are clear and concise. She gives you all the basic folds in the front so you don't have to go looking in other materials for them. The author also allows your creative juices to flow. She shows many different project pictures with the same origami shape. This allowed me to take her projects one step further and really make them my own. I have never made jewelry before (other than macaroni necklaces in kindergarten) and she details all the tools and materials you need. Really, if this peeks your interest, the take the plunge and buy it. You won't be disappointed.

Origami Jewelry: More Than 40 Exquisite Designs to Fold and Wear Very nice presentation. Instructions and diagrams are fairly easy to understand. The pictures of the finished fold are nicely shown. I've been doing origami for 30 yrs and never thought of making jewelry. You always learn new things.

I am relatively new to Origami so I found this book a welcome addition to the library, it covers the obligatory choosing of papers, tools to use and importantly for newbies a good solid instructional section on the "basic folds". The jewellery created was quiet nice, a little kitsch for my personal taste, but easily accomplished with a bit of practice.

The big thing for me though came with Metal Clay "paper", I am primarily a jewellery artist and use Metal clay a lot, I love the product of silver sheet clay or paper clay as some people call it as I can fold this like paper in origami styles and then fire it to produce minature fine silver jewellery. Good ideas in the book for me to transfer to silver replicas.

The diagrams were clear, easy to understand and photographed well. Thank you Ayako for a good book.

I surely enjoyed this book and read and re-read it upon receiving my copy. the directions, list of sources, and photos were fantastic.
I would recommend this for anyone considering using these techniques in their artwork.
linda

Absolutely love the art in this book. It isn't a how-to book, but gives you so many ideas and inspiration, that if you've done mixed media for a little while you probably can get a lot out of it.

I use it all the time to try new things and for inspiration.

This is a wonderful raw art book. It has some great textures in it with instructions. It is truly a mixed-media book. There are sections on fabric, paper, metal, and how to combine techniques. There are some techniques in there that I have never tried. I have and they turned out great. I do a lot of raw art collages. I was able to glean a lot of ideas from this book. The colors and textures are great eye candy. What I liked most about this book was that it showed you what you could do with the technique once you tried it. I think that is something that every art book should do since a lot of us artists are visual learners. I think that newbies can learn from the techniques and see what are some of the possible end pieces. More experienced artists can try different techniques and glean ideas from the picts.

Had to work today, so I took this book into the gallery with me. This book is enticing, enthralling, and full of that extra effort and creative spirit -- it's my paper muse.

Delicious!

Additionally, it seems very approachable for someone new to paper arts (as I am) and yet was also enjoyed by someone who has taught paper arts.

i really thought that despite the beautiful cover and the name Maggie Grey, as she is quite the name when fabric is around, this book would be eye candy but not inspiring for me to "work on".
oh boy was i wrong! Ms. Grey's techniques for changing paper to metal and metal to stitch is quite fun! i thoroughly enjoyed just savoring every page the first time around and then i started actually playing. this is a terrific book for inspiration, teaching, learning, doing, and of course, her handiwork is quite the eye candy. i will have this book on my shelves for many years to come.